Music supremo Jon More mourns the passing of the iconic David Bowie

As one half of Coldcut, Jon More is a giant of electronic dance music.

His production genius has spiced up tracks by everyone from Blondie, Eurythmics and INXS, to The Fall, Eric B & Rakim, and even James Brown, and he has enjoyed chart success with the likes of Yazz and Lisa Stansfield.

The Ninja Tune supremo, who set up Coldcut with Oxford University graduate Matt Black in 1986, has had a lifelong love of adventurous music, going back to his time as a teenage rock fan in Oxfordshire. In the 70s, Jon would routinely catch a bus, hitch hike, or walk from his home in Thame to Oxford to catch gigs by cutting-edge acts – including, in 1972, a legendary show by one David Bowie.

“He was a huge influence on my life,” says the former Lord Williams’s pupil, now 59, talking from his home in London.

“Like a lot of people of my generation, I have been left in a bit of a strange state by what happened this week and it has got me remembering.”

He goes on: “I used to go the 13 miles to Oxford to see gigs and buy records at a shop called Sunshine Records in Little Clarendon Street. I remember my sister Judith, suggesting I go to see Bowie at Oxford Town Hall, so I went to Oxford to get a ticket and buy the Bandstand album by Family.

“When I got there Fela Kuti’s Shakara was playing, so I bought that instead and went off to the Town Hall and sat on the steps, waiting for the doors to open, with my record bag.

“Then I clearly remember this strange group of men walking up – David Bowie and The Spiders from Mars in full stage costume!

“David turned to me and asked what was in the record bag, so I showed him. ‘Interesting choice,’ he said, and disappeared through the doors. I was already aware my taste in music was somewhat different to other people at school.”

The night was recorded for posterity in a classic photograph of Bowie, on his knees pretending to perform a lewd act with a guitar. The young Jon More can clearly be seen close to the stage.

“There I am just to the right and behind the bloke with shades and long hair, on the left of the picture,” he says. “My eyes are closed as I listen to the music, which is something I still do at concerts now.”

He adds: “It was a formative experience. That was a crazy gig, as you can see from that photo. At that time it was pretty shocking, and it sent a frisson through the room.

“I had seen him previously at Friars in Aylesbury, and became a fan.”

And what was his favourite album? “The most influential was Low, which was my introduction to ambient music. And it’s fantastic.

“I was also influenced by his idea of working with different producers. I suppose he also affected the way I dressed, which was in a free, masculine and stylish way. His day-to-day look was incredibly stylish, and I used to go to Kings Road as soon as I could afford it. Though I never wore make-up!”

And did he ever work with Bowie? “No. I wouldn’t have wanted to,” he says. “We’ve turned down a lot of artists as we thought there was nothing we could do with their records – and he is in that category.

“He was an artist that managed to create something very different through faith in himself – and, for me, that’s his legacy. He also sold a shed load of records.”

Oxfordshire remembers a unique artist: Our music scene remembers a creative genius and lasting inspiration...

“There are few figures in pop culture who have been so successful in constant artistic reinvention. We have learned a huge amount from his presence, now we can learn even more from his absence. Rest in peace.”

Sebastian Reynolds, musician with The Epstein and Flights of Helios, from Wolvercote

“He was one of the biggest influences on my entire musical life. I absolutely loved him. I am genuinely very upset.”

Ronan Munro, Editor of music monthly Nightshift, from Kidlington

“Bowie defined pop culture in the early to mid-80s. Let’s Dance still sends a shiver up my spine and starts me moving and looking for a dance floor passionately. I also loved the way he dressed. He was, and always will be, one cool dude.

Mark ‘Osprey’ O’Brien, musician and promoter, from Oxford

“He was an incredible, creative force, he was driven and wanted to make a mark on the world.”

‘Whispering’ Bob Harris, radio and TV presenter, from Steventon

“David Bowie was a unique boundary-breaking artist and may his legacy live on. He was an inspiration, not only for his incredible creativity but also for his kindness and generosity.”

Vez Hoper, promoter, artist manager and founder of Irregular Folk, from Oxford

“I remember when he played at the New Theatre – he was absolutely brilliant. I always remember his costume change when people grabbed the Velcro and he was wearing something totally different underneath.”

Chris Brown, DJ, from Headington